Sore throat: what helps and when to see a doctor

Common symptoms · 3 min read · Updated 30 October 2026

What causes a sore throat

• Viruses, such as the ones that cause colds and flu. This is the most common cause.
• Strep throat, an infection with group A strep bacteria.
• Allergies.
• Smoke, from smoking or breathing in other people's smoke, which irritates the throat.

What helps

• Drink plenty of fluids. Warm drinks, such as tea, or cold water can both feel soothing.
• Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day.
• Suck on lozenges, hard sweets, ice chips or ice pops. Don't give lozenges or hard sweets to young children, who can choke on them.
• Use a clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to ease dryness.
• Honey can ease a cough in adults and children aged 1 and over. Never give honey to a baby under 1.
• For pain relief, ask a pharmacist which over-the-counter medicine suits you, and follow the packet instructions.

Could it be strep throat?

Strep throat is most common in children aged 5 to 15, but adults get it too, especially parents and people who look after children. Signs include:

• A sore throat that starts quickly, with pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen glands at the front of the neck

A cough, runny nose, hoarse voice or pink eye point more to a virus. Only a quick test at a doctor's office or clinic can tell whether it's strep. If it is, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

When to see a doctor

• Your sore throat isn't getting better after a few days, or is getting worse
• You have signs of strep throat
• You have a high fever, a rash, or swollen, painful joints
• You have signs of dehydration, such as passing very little urine
• You keep getting sore throats

Sources

• CDC: Sore throat basics
• CDC: About strep throat
• MedlinePlus: Sore throat